Shift Solenoids - All

Remove the transmission oil pan, replace all shift solenoids in the valve body, and reinstall with new gasket and fresh fluid.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Transmission pan gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Overdrive solenoid × 1 — Mopar 4617210 or equivalent
• Lock-up solenoid × 1 — Mopar 4617211 or equivalent
• Valve body filter (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar ATF+3 automatic transmission fluid — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake
2. Allow transmission to cool to ambient temperature if recently operated
3. Raise vehicle using floor jack and support securely on jack stands at manufacturer-specified lift points
4. Ensure adequate clearance to work comfortably under the vehicle (minimum 24 inches recommended)
5. Position drain pan under transmission oil pan
6. Locate transmission pan (rectangular pan at bottom rear of transmission, behind engine oil pan)

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain transmission fluid
   Loosen all transmission pan bolts approximately 2-3 turns each, working in a criss-cross pattern. Allow fluid to begin draining from the loosened pan. Once initial drainage slows, carefully remove bolts from one side of the pan to tip and fully drain. Remove all remaining pan bolts and lower the pan, being prepared for additional fluid release. Expect 4-5 quarts of fluid to drain.
2. 2

   Remove transmission pan and gasket
   Fully remove the transmission pan and set aside. If the pan does not release easily, gently tap with a rubber mallet—do not pry between sealing surfaces. Remove the old gasket material from both the pan and transmission case using a plastic scraper. Clean both surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner and lint-free rags until all gasket residue and fluid are removed. Inspect pan for metal debris or clutch material which may indicate internal transmission issues.
3. 3

   Inspect valve body and locate solenoids
   With the pan removed, the valve body is now visible at the bottom of the transmission case. Identify the two shift solenoids: the overdrive solenoid and the lock-up solenoid. These are cylindrical components with electrical connectors, mounted to the valve body with bolt-on retaining brackets. Note the orientation and routing of electrical connectors before removal. Inspect the valve body for obvious damage, cracks, or debris.
4. 4

   Disconnect solenoid electrical connectors
   Disconnect the electrical connectors from both shift solenoids. The connectors are internal to the transmission and will have locking tabs—press the tab while pulling the connector straight off. Note the specific connector locations and wire routing for reinstallation. If connectors are difficult to remove, gently rock side-to-side while pulling; do not force.
5. 5

   Remove overdrive solenoid
   Locate the overdrive solenoid retaining bolt. Remove the bolt securing the solenoid bracket to the valve body. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the valve body—it is sealed with an O-ring and may require gentle twisting to release. Inspect the O-ring on the solenoid body for damage. Check the valve body bore for debris or scoring.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove lock-up solenoid
   Locate the lock-up solenoid retaining bolt. Remove the bolt securing the solenoid bracket to the valve body. Carefully pull the solenoid straight out from the valve body. Inspect the O-ring and valve body bore as with the overdrive solenoid. Set the old solenoid aside for comparison with the replacement part.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect and clean valve body mounting area
   With both solenoids removed, inspect the valve body bores where the solenoids seat. Clean any debris or old fluid residue with brake cleaner and compressed air if available. Check that the valve body gasket (between valve body and transmission case) is intact and not leaking. If the valve body filter is accessible, inspect for excessive debris and replace if contaminated.
8. 8

   Install new lock-up solenoid
   Verify the new lock-up solenoid matches the original. Lightly lubricate the solenoid O-ring with clean ATF. Insert the solenoid straight into the valve body bore, ensuring it seats fully. Install the retaining bracket and bolt. Torque the solenoid retaining bolt to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new overdrive solenoid
   Verify the new overdrive solenoid matches the original. Lightly lubricate the solenoid O-ring with clean ATF. Insert the solenoid straight into the valve body bore, ensuring it seats fully. Install the retaining bracket and bolt. Torque the solenoid retaining bolt to specification.
   Torque spec

   Sensor Bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect solenoid electrical connectors
    Reconnect the electrical connectors to both solenoids, ensuring each connector matches its original location. Press each connector firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is fully seated and locked.
11. 11

    Install new pan gasket and reinstall pan
    Position the new transmission pan gasket on the transmission case, ensuring all bolt holes align. Some gaskets are adhesive-backed; if not, a light coating of ATF on the gasket can help hold it in place. Position the clean transmission pan against the gasket. Install all pan bolts finger-tight first, then torque in a criss-cross pattern starting from the center and working outward.
    Torque spec

    Pan Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill transmission with ATF
    Lower the vehicle to level ground (or ensure it is level on jack stands). Locate the transmission dipstick tube at the rear of the engine bay on the passenger side. Using a fluid pump or funnel with hose, add 4.5 quarts of Mopar ATF+3 through the dipstick tube. Start the engine and allow to idle. Shift through all gear positions (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, 2, 1) pausing 2-3 seconds in each. Return to Park. With engine running, check the fluid level on the dipstick (fluid should be in the 'Cold' or 'Add' range). Add additional fluid in 0.5 quart increments until proper level is reached.
13. 13

    Check for leaks and perform system test
    With the engine running and transmission in Park, inspect the pan gasket area for any signs of fluid leakage. Raise the vehicle if necessary for better visibility. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature (approximately 10 minutes of idling). Recheck fluid level with the transmission at operating temperature—level should be in the 'Hot' range on the dipstick. Top off if necessary. Perform a brief test drive, verifying smooth shifts and proper operation of all gears including overdrive and torque converter lock-up.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall transmission pan with new gasket, torquing bolts in criss-cross pattern to 12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
2. Refill transmission with Mopar ATF+3, starting with 4.5 quarts and adjusting to proper level
3. Verify all electrical connections are secure and locked in place
4. Ensure no tools or rags are left in the transmission pan area before closing

Verification

• Check transmission fluid level with engine running and at operating temperature—level should be in the 'Hot' range on dipstick
• Inspect transmission pan gasket area for leaks with engine running
• Test drive vehicle and verify smooth shifting through all gears including 3rd-to-overdrive shift
• Verify torque converter lock-up engages smoothly (typically occurs in 3rd or 4th gear above 45 mph)
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes using a scan tool if shift quality concerns remain
• Re-inspect for leaks after test drive and 24 hours of normal operation

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